Residents of portions of two public water supply districts will be asked to report to the polls on April 6 to choose members of their boards of directors.
A rematch has been set up for the Subdistrict 3 seat on the board of Water District No. 7, which serves areas around Hillsboro.
Three years ago, the seat held for 27 years by Gary Peters opened up after Peters opted not to run for another three-year term. Jennifer Deckard defeated fellow newcomer Larry Whitener, and both are running again this spring.
Neither returned a Leader candidate questionnaire.
Members of the No. 7 board are unpaid.
In District C-1, which serves Imperial, Barnhart and nearby areas, Gene Barbagallo, who represents Subdistrict No. 2, is seeking his sixth three-year term but faces a challenge by Laura Zemann.
Zemann did not return a Leader candidate questionnaire.
Board members in the C-1 district have chosen not to be paid. District officials said if a member of the board chooses to be paid, he or she could not be paid more than $100 per meeting.
BARBAGALLO, 70, lives in Imperial He is a retired farmer and property manager who also worked in the quarry industry and as the shop manager for a heavy construction equipment hauler. He and his wife, Gail, have six children and 23 grandchildren. A 1969 graduate of Fox High School, Barbagallo attended the U.S. Air Force Crash Fire and Rescue Academy, where he was trained in pilot rescue. He also completed the Missouri Mine Safety and Health Training Program.
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
Barbagallo: In addition to serving on the water board since 2009, I have been on the Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Commission for four years and have been a member of the county’s Board of Adjustment.
What are the biggest problems facing the district and how would you address them?
Barbagallo: COVID-19 is a huge problem. To keep our staff healthy and on the job, the district has to be on line 24/7. We have, with the help of our managers, taken measures to ensure this.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Barbagallo: I have more than 50 years of experience in construction. I understand the difficulty of a 24/7 business. I want to work to provide the best water available.